Understanding GST on Services Related to Transmission and Distribution of Electricity

The topic of GST (Goods and Services Tax) on services connected to the transmission and distribution of electricity has been a complex and contentious issue. To unravel this, we need to delve into the legal provisions, exemptions, and recent judicial rulings that have influenced this matter.

Key Legal Provisions and Definitions

Composite and Mixed Supplies:

• Section 8 of the CGST Act: This section defines the tax liability on composite and mixed supplies. A composite supply involves multiple goods or services bundled naturally, where one is the principal supply. For mixed supplies, which involve unrelated items sold together, the highest tax rate applies.
• Composite Supply (Section 2(30)): A combination of goods or services supplied together in the ordinary course of business, where one is the principal supply.
• Principal Supply (Section 2(90)): The main supply in a composite supply, which determines the tax treatment of the entire supply.
• Mixed Supply (Section 2(74)): Multiple independent supplies sold together for a single price.

GST on Electricity Transmission and Distribution

Exemptions and Notifications:

• Notification 12/2017 (28.6.2017), Entry No. 25: This notification exempts the transmission and distribution of electricity from GST. As a result, any services that are naturally bundled with this principal supply, like application fees, meter rent, and testing charges, are also exempt from GST as part of a composite supply.

Historical Context and Judicial Pronouncements

Pre-Negative List Regime:

• Service tax exemptions existed for electricity transmission and distribution services. A 2010 circular clarified that related services, like the hiring of electricity meters, were also exempt.

Negative List Regime:

• The exemption continued under the Negative List, but related services were not explicitly mentioned.

GST Regime:

• The 2017 notification continued to exempt electricity transmission and distribution. However, a 2018 circular (Circular No. 34/8/2018) contradicted earlier positions by stating that related services such as application fees, meter rents, and testing fees were taxable.

Judicial Decisions

Supreme Court and High Court Rulings:

1. Supreme Court: In the case of Suchitra Components Limited, the court ruled that beneficial circulars should be applied retrospectively, while oppressive ones should be applied prospectively. This supports the view that circulars against taxpayers should not be enforced retroactively.
2. Gujarat High Court (Torrent Power Ltd. vs. Union of India): The court struck down the 2018 circular, reinforcing that related services bundled with electricity supply are part of a composite supply and thus exempt from GST.
3. Delhi High Court (BSES Rajdhani Power Ltd. vs. UOI): This court also upheld the exemption for related services.

These rulings emphasize that charges like application fees, meter rents, and testing fees are part of the composite supply of electricity and should be exempt from GST.

Conclusion

The issue of GST applicability on services related to electricity transmission and distribution has seen conflicting interpretations. Recent judicial decisions, particularly from the Gujarat and Delhi High Courts, have clarified that these related services are exempt from GST. Until the Supreme Court provides a final ruling, stakeholders can rely on these judgments to navigate the complexities of GST on electricity-related services.

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